No meeting unless you suspend strike: Felix Koskei tells doctors

In a statement dated April 9, Koskei said that the 'whole-of-the-nation approach committee on the health sector' meeting will convene 24 hours after the striking doctors vacate the streets.

Koskei cited that the move should be in compliance with a court order issued on March 13 and later extended on March 20 to have the strike led by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) called off.

The committee was formed to resolve the long-standing dispute between health workers and the government over salary arrears, posting interns and honouring the 2017 Complete Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

An inaugural committee meeting was held on March 21 where 19 issues were raised by the doctors. 

A Technical Sub-Committee was then formed to deliberate on the issues. It comprises representatives from KMPDU (4), the Council of Governors (5), Public Service Ministry (1), the Ministry of Health (3), and one from the National Treasury.

The Technical Committee met on March 22 and 25 to iron out the contention.

Doctors have downed their tools as of March 14, vowing not to resume work until the government heeds their demands.

They have even rejected a Ksh.2.4 billion offer from the government, saying it does not honor their agreement. 

President William Ruto has said that is what had been made available, insisting that the nation has to live within its means amid a threatening high wage bill.